The 27 Club!

Amy Winehouse is the latest to join the "27 Club" when she was found dead in her home in Camden, London.  Amy was extremely talented and it is unfortunate that she was only able to live to the age of 27.  Ironically, she isn't the only musical superstar who has died at the young age of 27.  I don't know what it is with this age, but I find this trend to be sad and extremely disturbing!

Famous Members of the 27 Club:


 Brian Jones- founder of the Rolling Stones.

Cause of Death- Drowned in a swimming pool

Jimmy Hendrix- Electric Guitarist, Singer, and Songwriter for The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Cause of Death- Autopsy shows choking on vomit after mixing wine with sleeping pills














Kurt Cobain- Founding member and lead singer of Nirvana


Cause of Death- Suicide

Janis Joplin- Lead singer for several bands such as: Big Brother and Holding Company, The Kozmic Blues Bands, and Full Tilt Boogie Band.

Cause of Death- Heroin Overdose




There are many other musicians that are a part of this "club."  It is just sad to see such talented artists die at such a young age. Rest in Peace!

WATCH THE THRONE DOCUMENTARY!!!

Watch the behind the scenes footage of Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne album.  I hope this is something that they attach to the hard copy of the album as well.  Great insight on what the album will be like. Enjoy!

VERTICAL JONES: MR. ONLY WAY IS UP!

Vertical Jones is truly a "Jack of All Trades."  He represents Newark, New Jersey and he is one of the most versatile artists you will ever meet.  Vertical is a rapper, singer, producer, engineer, musician, and many other things in the field of music.  I have known Vertical since we were both very young and it has been an honor to see him grow both as a person and an artist.

Vertical Jones's last album was entitled, "Best at Being Me."  This is a motto that I would use to best describe his style.  He isn't an artist that follows the trends, he is always about doing the type of music that is comfortable for him. This album features the controversial single called, "This is Why I Download," which speaks about the current state of music and the reason more music is being downloaded today.  Other popular singles from that album include, "Make Noise," "Not Like Me," and "I Need You."

"City of Blinding Lights" Video

His newest album is being released this fall entitled, "Rise of the Fallen."  Vertical is extremely excited for this album to release.  He has been working on this for about two years trying to make sure it is perfect.  When I asked him to describe the album, he stated that the album is like "that ugly face you make when you hear a dope beat for the first time."  He also said the album will include both rapping and singing which he describes as "a mixture of great music."  Leading singles off the album are "City of Blinding Lights," and "What We Came For." The album is expected to include R&B artist Derron Fareed and Neako.

Hefsquire other half of the AllSpark!

In the meantime while many of us are awaiting this album, he will be releasing a "beat tape" later this month. This will be all new original instrumentals produced by The AllSpark.  The All Spark is a production team made up of Vertical Jones and his partner Hefsquire.  The tape will be entitled, "360".  As a production team The AllSpark has done tracks for Wiz Khalifa, Tom Gist, Posta Boy, Neako, Joell Ortiz, Dox Diggla, Chino XL and many others.

Vertical Jones can be found all over the internet.  Follow him on twitter @verticaljones.  He can also be reached via his official website, www.vertical-jones.com and his production website   www.wearetheallspark.com.  Great music is on the way folks. Brick City stand up!

LISTEN TO JAY-Z AND KANYE WEST'S SINGLE "OTIS" FROM THE WATCH THE THRONE ALBUM!!!

WATCH THE THRONE TRACKLIST!!!

Check out the revised playlist (according to hiphopgame.com) for one of the most anticipated albums in rap history!  I can't wait for this to release!


Album release date scheduled for August 2nd....



1. No Church In The Wild f. Frank Ocean (prod. Kanye West, Mike Dean & Ken Lewis)
2. Lift Off f. Beyoncé (prod. Kanye West, Mike Dean, Jeff Bhasker, Q-Tip & Don Jazzy; Additional Vocals by Seal, Mr Hudson, Don Jazzy, Bankulli & Ricardo Louis)
3. Ni**as In Paris (prod. Hit-Boy)
4. Otis f. Otis Redding (prod. Kanye West)
5. Gotta Have It (prod. The Neptunes)
6. New Day (prod. The RZA)
7. That’s My Bi**h (prod. Q-Tip & Kanye West)
8. Who Gon’ Stop Me (prod. Sham “Sak Pase” Joseph & Kanye West)
9. Murder To Excellence (prod. Swizz Beatz & Symbolyc One)
10. Welcome To The Jungle (prod. Swizz Beatz)
11. Made In America f. Frank Ocean (prod. Sham “Sak Pase” Joseph)
12. Why I Love You f. Mr Hudson (prod. Mike Dean & Kanye West)
13. Illest Motherf*cker Alive (prod. Southside & Kanye West) *
14. H*A*M (prod. Lex Luger & Kanye West) *
15. Primetime (prod. No I.D.) *
16. The Joy f. Curtis Mayfield (prod. Pete Rock & Kanye West) *
* – Bonus Tracks

CASEY ANTHONY FREED FROM JAIL!

After one of the most controversial verdicts in the history of the United States since OJ Simpson, Casey Anthony was released from jail early this morning.  She was acquitted on murder charges on July 5, and it has caused much of an uproar throughout the country.  Recently, her legal team has received death threats because of the verdict.  A crowd of more than 100 people were outside of the facility she was released from.  Many outside yelled slurs such as "baby killer," amongst other things.

Check out the article from the Miami Herald:

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Casey Anthony walked out of jail a free woman under heavy guard early Sunday, facing shouts of "baby killer" from a heckling crowd less than two weeks after she was found not guilty of murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee.

The 25-year-old woman, whose acquittal shocked and enraged many around the country who had been following the case for months, left an Orlando area jail at 12:14 a.m., swiftly boarded an SUV and rode out of public view.

A crowd of more than 100 people surged against the orange plastic police barricades as the vehicle left. Some yelled "You suck!" Mounted patrolmen and police cruisers blocked the street outside the jail so Anthony's vehicle could drive onto a nearby highway ramp unobstructed.

"A baby killer was just set free!" shouted Bree Thornton, 39.

Casey leaving prison

News helicopters followed Anthony to a covered parking garage at an Orlando office building where one of her attorneys has offices, but reporters then lost track of her.

A short time later, amid the crush of media attention, there was police activity as two vehicles pulled up to a twin-engine private jet at Orlando Executive Airport, but no one saw Anthony get out and onto the plane. That plane took off shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday for Ohio, the home state of Anthony's parents. But an official there said that aircraft was only carrying golfers back from a Florida vacation.

Anthony, it seemed, had vanished into the night.

Anger over Anthony's July 5 acquittal has spilled onto social media sites and elsewhere. Her legal team said on Friday it had received an emailed death threat with a manipulated photo showing their 25-year-old client with a bullet hole in her forehead.

Caylee Anthony's remains were found in December 2008 near the home Casey Anthony shared with her parents. Prosecutors alleged that Anthony suffocated her daughter with duct tape because motherhood interfered with her desire for a carefree life, but her lawyers said the girl drowned in an accident that snowballed out of control.

Some of the jurors who acquitted Anthony said they believe she bears some responsibility for her daughter's death but that prosecutors failed to prove that she murdered the child.

Anthony had remained in jail to finish a four-year sentence for telling investigators several lies, including an early claim that Caylee was kidnapped by a nonexistent nanny. With credit for the nearly three years she'd spent in jail since August 2008 and good behavior, she had only days remaining when she was sentenced July 7.

Anthony left jail wearing a hot pink Polo T-shirt, blue jeans and sneakers, with her attorney Jose Baez at her side. She was given $537.68 in cash from her jail account to begin her new life.

Her hair in a bun, a somber-looking Anthony quietly said "thank you" to a deputy sheriff waiting to escort her outside, and then strode with Baez to the vehicle as two deputies armed with semi-automatic rifles walked behind. Baez held the back door, she climbed in and the SUV drove off amid camera flashes.

Anthony had a handful of supporters in the crowd.

"I'm for Casey," said Kizzy Smith, of Orlando. "She was proven innocent. At the end of the day, Caylee is at peace. We're the ones who are in an uproar."

One man carried a "Casey, will you marry me" sign. But her backers - at the jail and across the country - appeared to be vastly outnumbered by her critics.

"She is safer in jail than she is out here," said Mike Quiroz, who drove from Miami to spend his 22nd birthday outside the jail. "She better watch her butt. She is known all over the world."

TRUEBLOOD: SEASON FOUR, EPISODE THREE RECAP!

Episode three didn't quite match up to the expectations of the previous episode, but it did give us some insight of what will be happening this season.  It appears that Marnie is clearly going to be one of the focal points of this season, with her ability to cast a spell on even the strongest vampires.  Besides the time Godrick died, I have never seen Eric in such a vulnerable state.

Sookie and Eric

Throughout the episode Eric appears to have had his memory completely erased.  It seems like he is a baby vampire and doesn't realize his own strength and capabilities.  At the end of the episode when he thinks that Sookie is being bothered by her "faery godmother" he attacks her and completely "drains" her until she dies.  I'm not sure how long this will last, but I prefer to see Eric in his normal state.

Pam knows how vulnerable Eric is, so she is willing to go to any length to protect him.  She asks for Sookie to hide him, but she really doesn't feel safe doing so.   Sookie decides to take a trip to Alcide's house to ask him if he could protect Eric.  While there, she notices that a new, cleaned up Debbie is back living with Alcide.  Sookie clearly upset, leaves the house.  It's not clear if she was upset because Debbie was there or if it was because it was another woman there.

Jason being "turned"

Jason really seems to be in the process of turning into a were-panther.  He is still badly bruised and according to Crystal this is part of the process.  Their plan is to make Jason into a panther so that he can bring more cubs into the world.  I feel bad for him because he is so naive, but Crystal has given him several hints in the past that he should leave her alone.  I guess we'll what happens.

This episode overall was solid.  All episodes can't be action-packed, nor do I expect them to be.  I expect next week to be very interesting.  I am anxious to see how long Eric will be under this spell and what he will do once he is released from it.  Great start to the season thus far!      

JAY-Z AND KANYE'S WATCH THE THRONE FIRST PREVIEW

One of the most anticipated albums in the history of rap had its first preview. The album, entitled "Watch the Throne," is a joint venture featuring rap heavyweights Jay-Z and Kanye West.  The album is tentatively slated to release on August 2nd.  The first preview was in front of a host of journalists at the Mercer Hotel in New York City.

This seems to have been somewhat of a secretive affair and a lot of information about the tracks weren't divulged.  It was said that Frank Ocean was on two of the tracks on the album. Not much was said about  other features, but I hope they keep them to a minimum because I don't feel like they need much help.  Their first single, H.A.M was met with mixed reviews.  In my opinion the song was a disaster. It wasn't a disaster because they could do better, but because it was a bad song period.  Not sure if this will actually make the album, but I hope someone can convince them to leave it off.  Nonetheless, I am excited for the album and I can't wait for it to drop.  Here are some previews from those who were there.

From MTV:
'The listening session was held in the Mercer Hotel, where the New York Postpreviously reported that parts of the album were recorded. Though it was originally set to begin at 8 p.m., Jay-Z walked into the hotel lobby closer to 9 (word is he was at a Yankees game hoping to see Derek Jeter get his 3,000th hit). The group of journalists followed the rapper up to a suite that had been transformed into a recording studio. Seated in the rear of the room, wearing a Yankees snap-back hat and crisp, white shell-toe Adidas, Hova balanced a MacBook Pro in his lap. After asking those in attendance to introduce themselves, he got right into playing selections from the album, loudly.

Standout tracks included a pair of songs that feature Odd Future crooner Frank Ocean. Jay-Z relayed that he reached out to Ocean after hearing his Nostalgia, Ultra mixtape and wanted him to contribute to his next solo album. After their initial work went well — Ocean appears on one of two songs Jay-Z revealed he has recorded for the solo LP — Hova invited the crooner to get down on Watch the Throne too. The only other guest on the album is Beyoncé, who appears on the resounding "Lift Off," which sounds like it was tailor-made to be performed in large stadiums.

On another particularly interesting song, Jay-Z and Kanye deliver verses directed to their hypothetical unborn sons. (Note: Jay-Z's press representative asked that lyrics from songs not be quoted.) The Brooklyn MC recalled that Yeezy first recited his verse to him at New York's Museum of Modern Art. "I told him I wasn't going to get on it," Jay-Z told MTV News of the song, adding that he thought Kanye's verse, running down his myriad past mistakes, is one of his best ever. "The honesty of it, it's just really cool."

From AllHipHop's Jigsaw: 
'Overall, Watch The Throne is one of the most interesting pieces of Hip-Hop I've heard in a long time. Many people asked is it "classic" or is it "dope as expected." I believe, to properly enjoy the album, they are going to need to shed expectations and erase what they know. I already can see there will be a segment of the population that simple will not "get" this album. 

But, that is the beauty of Watch The Throne. Everybody won't love it and others will swear by it. It will be the topic of debates and hate. Through it all, its very cool to see Hip-Hop artist evolving creatively. Fearlessly. '

NBA STAR DERON WILLIAMS TO PLAY OVERSEAS!

NBA and New Jersey Nets star Deron Williams has reached a deal to play in Turkey for the Turkish club, Besiktas. According to many reports, he plans on playing for Besiktas if the NBA lockout doesn't end.  The deal is reportedly for one year worth $5 million. This deal will come to an end whenever the NBA lockout does.  The Turkish club has also signed Zaza Pachulia from the Atlanta Hawks.  From what I'm hearing the NBA is far from making a deal, so the possibility of not having a season isn't far-fetched.  I am wondering if this will start a trend around the league.

Allen Iverson playing in Turkey

Often players from the NBA have gone to play in other countries, so it's not a total surprise.  Plenty of good players have gone over to play in Europe.  Dominique Wilkins (Greece), Allen Iverson (Turkey), Kenny Anderson (Lithuania), and Dennis Rodman (Finland and England) have all gone to play in Europe, but their careers were all declining.  The Deron Williams' situation is much different, because he is currently one of the best players in the league.

D.Will with his current team

I completely understand that players want to keep their financial situations in order, but I think with a player of Deron Williams' caliber, it comes with some risks.  I don't know his personal situation as far a finances go, but coming off wrist surgery and with free agency looming for him, he potentially has a lot to lose.  If something goes wrong he stands to lose millions.  On the other hand pro athletes want to compete, and this gives him some competition until the NBA gets its act together.

From what I understand, before he plays in Turkey he needs to get clearance from FIBA (International Basketball Federation).  Since the NBA players contracts are frozen because of the lockout, that shouldn't be much of an issue.  I'll be interested to see if he ever suits up in Turkey. Only time will tell.  There were also rumors about Kobe considering playing else where, but I don't see that happening.

  

BOW WOW'S LETTER TO HIS FANS!

Bow Wow with Daughter

Bow Wow has written a letter to his fans speaking about the birth of his daughter.  He has a large fan base, and I guess he felt a need to explain to his fans exactly what his current situation was.  I like Bow Wow as a celebrity.  I will listen to his music, but when I listen I don't expect to hear much lyrically.  I'm really writing this because I found the letter to be interesting.  We often think that people who become stars at a young age have it easy, but it can be a gift and a curse.  The prime example of this case is Michael Jackson.  He never really got to experience a childhood, therefore he made questionable decisions when he was older. These young stars grow up faster than they are supposed to and many have a lot of problems when they actually become adults.

Here is the actual letter (the typos are his lol):

 Let me start off by saying i love my fans. With out yall i wudda been left the game. For the past 3 years i been batteling life. Even thought about taking my own. I felt like as a kid i did everything and saw everything too fast which spoiled my adult years. I felt as if i had no purpose to live(Thinking selfishly) until god gave me the illest gift of my life. No lambo, no blk card nuffn ammounts to my lil girl. I waited so long to tell yall the truth because i was nervous on how yall would look at me. Yall know everyone makes a big deal out of everything i do. I wanted to be 1st n let yall know the real. My lil girl is getting BIG fast. i love every minute of it. She inspires me to go harder.Even made me treat my mother better, its like it made me into a man over night. Never been a fan of posting pix of my daughter. Reason is because i want my boo boo to have everything i didnt. Want her to be able to cheerlead with her lil friends with out some ###hole sticking his camera all in my lil girl face. I know how fame is. I missed out on so much that i now know how important it is to cherish and have those things in your life. Yes! I change diapers. Aint as bad as i thought hahaha. I want her to live with me so bad. Jus us 2. Thats my dream man but fellas yall know how it go. Baby gotta stay with they momma and all dat bull. I hate that! So i have to fly 5 hrs away to see her. I find myself going into my i phone book jus lookn at pix of her. Sometimes i tear up cuz i just cant believe it brotha be emotional. All in all im good. This is my 1st. I know all my fans gone support me and ride for her like yall been doin my whole career. To the ones that say “Im heart broken how can he do that to us” well i do have a life thats not all about movies or making albums. Im 24 now. I cant wait 4eva. Im happy and if your a fan then ud be happy too cuz yall gone be with me every step of the way. The bs that comes with having a baby momma is expected. So i neva trip. Jus gotta suck it up keep chin high and try not let her get the best of my feelings by playin them stupid games. Ima stay positive and keep maintaining long as i got yall i cant lose. I love yall. And shai shai daddy love u too! Wizzle!!!!

Boweezy 

TRUEBLOOD: SEASON FOUR, EPISODE TWO RECAP!

WOW!  That is the best word I can find to describe this episode.  I have watched every single episode of True Blood multiple times, and I am struggling to find an episode better than this one.  Episode one left us with a few unanswered questions, but episode two wasted no time in clearing those up.  We all wondered how Bill became the King of Louisiana.  They made their explanation very clear.

Still not sure about what Bill's "deal" is, but we are finding out a little more each week.  We found out that he has been a part of the AVL (American Vampire League) for years now.  His connections with Nan Flanagan has led to him becoming king, as she helped him destroy former Queen of Louisiana Sophie Anne.  Something tells me that there is a lot more to find out about Bill however.

New Shifter Luna and Sam

Sam at the end of last season was out of control.  He seems to be in better shape now that he has befriended a new group of shape shifters.  The most interesting of these shifters is Luna.  Luna is a new character on the show and she has already revealed some interesting news.  She admits that she has actually "shifted" into a human being.  I'm not sure what role this will play in this season, but I'm sure it will in some fashion.

Marnie

When Bill is told by one of his spies that there are now witches in town, he sends Eric out to investigate the matter.  The main witch, Marnie has already brought back a bird from the dead.  Her next goal was to bring back a human being.  Vampires are intimidated by witches because they can control the dead, which causes a threat to them.  When Eric goes to where they are attempting to revive a dead body he attacks Marnie.  The rest of the people there began some sort of chant which leaves Eric under a spell.  The spell seems to make Eric unaware of who he is, and makes him seem vulnerable.  I'll be interested to see what comes out of this situation.

Nothing major with Sookie this week.  She continues to live in the house despite Eric being the owner.  In Jason news, he is last seen being eaten by panthers.  Crystal wants to keep the "bloodline" going, so she and another family member/boyfriend are last seen attempting to turn Jason into a panther.

Great episode this week.  I admit like many of us I did see this one earlier than the actual premiere, so I couldn't wait to write about it.  Please leave your thoughts.  I also want to get your predictions about what you think will happen next.  Great start to this season!

DJ: PROPER INTRODUCTIONS!

DJ is putting out his first official EP after working behind the scenes for several years. He is not only a singer, but he is a songwriter and producer as well.  His EP entitled, "Proper Introductions," is fitting because it properly introduces him as an artist finally in the forefront.  This project will be released on his own record label, So Real Records.


The EP drops on July 4th, and much like the holiday, DJ is trying to come in with a bang. There are nine songs on the album, seven are original and two are cover songs. I've known DJ for years and I'm anxious to see what this complete project will be like. 


Thus far, I have heard three songs from the EP and I like them all. Each song has its own "lane," as DJ shows his versatility and passion for his art.  The lead single off of the EP is called "Freakin U." Other songs that I've heard are "Life of the Party," and a ballad entitled, "Come Clean."

As mentioned before, DJ has worked behind the scenes for several years and he is excited for his opportunity to let people hear him as an artist. In the past, he has worked with artists such as Vertical Jones, Tom Gist, and Rotimi. In the future, DJ would like to work with artists such as Ryan Leslie, Chris Brown, and Neyo. While speaking with DJ about his biggest musical influences, he said it was Michael Jackson by far.

In addition to his album dropping on July 4th, DJ also launched his website today. Be sure to check him out at www.mrsoreal.com  You can follow him on twitter @mrsorealhimself and see his videos on www.youtube.com/sorealvision. His album can be downloaded for free by clicking on the following link: http://www.mediafire.com/?2vn173b02kvwf52 DJ has worked hard and has been patient for years and now it's his time to shine! 

PURE: WRITTEN IN THE STARS!

Pure Performing Live

Pure is an R&B artist that represents Newark, NJ.  He is not only a household name, but he is creating a buzz all over the East Coast.  You may know him from his smash hits "Body Talk," "Sample," featuring Red Cafe, and "The Stars" which is the current single burning up the airways.  Pure has worked with major artists such as Maino, Sheek Louch, Grafh, Uncle Murder, and the aforementioned Red Cafe. If you haven't heard of him, introduce yourself to New Jersey's next big thing.  

Pure released his first mixtape entitled, "I AM Pure" in 2010.  This mixtape combines soulful sounds, as well music you can dance to.  Much of the production on the mixtape comes from his team of producers called the Venture Brotherz (Bobo and Out There).  I enjoy Pure's catalog of music because I think it provides balance.  My favorite songs on the mixtape are "Girl 4 Me," and "Crush."  If you ask ten people what their favorite song is, you will probably receive several different answers.  That speaks to the balance of his work.  

He is currently working on his new mixtape entitled, "Raw and Uncut."  The lead single on there is "The Stars," which you can hear on one of Hip-Hop's most popular radio stations, Hot 97.  The mixtape is due to drop later this summer.  

I asked Pure who his musical influences were while creating music, and he mentioned past and current artists.  His current musical influences are: Jay-Z, Coldplay, Nerds, Usher, and Justin Timberlake.  His past influences are: Prince, R Kelly, and Ginuwine.  I also spoke to Pure about signing a major recording deal.  He wants to take his time and choose a situation that is ideal for him.

Looking for Pure?  You can find him all over the web.  He can be found on twitter @iampure,  facebook.com/iampure, ilovepure.tumblr.com, and on his website www.i-am-pure.com.  Make sure you check out and support one of Jersey's own!